Superintendent's Message
October 2026
Dear Mattituck-Cutchogue-Laurel Families,
It is hard to believe that we are already well into the 2026-2027 school year. Our students have settled into their classrooms, reconnected with friends, established new routines, and embraced the many opportunities that a new school year brings. There is always something special about welcoming our students and staff back into our buildings and watching our schools come to life once again.
Sadly, our school community has also experienced profound loss with the unexpected passing of senior Gavin Drago. There are no easy words to express the sadness that comes with losing a young person who was such an important part of our school community. During this incredibly difficult time, I have been deeply moved by the way our students, teachers, support staff, administrators, families, and community members have come together to support one another and honor Gavin's memory. The compassion, strength, and care that have been demonstrated remind us of what it truly means to be a Tucker. While we continue to grieve alongside Gavin's family, we will carry his memory with us and continue to support one another, now and into the future.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in our school community who helps create educational opportunities and memories that will last a lifetime. Our school year has already been filled with many of the traditions that make being a Tucker so special, including our September 11th Patriot Day ceremony, open houses, parent group meetings, the student pep rally, the Tucker Bowl, and Homecoming games. The new school year started at full speed, and it has been wonderful to see the energy, enthusiasm, and school spirit throughout our district.
So much goes into providing our students with a well-rounded educational experience. The classroom is at the heart of what we do, but learning also takes place through athletics, the arts, extracurricular activities, leadership opportunities, and the many experiences that allow our students to discover their interests, develop their talents, and build meaningful relationships. The continued support and involvement of our families and community are essential to making these opportunities possible, and for that, we are extremely grateful.
On behalf of the Board of Education, I encourage all members of our community to attend our upcoming Board of Education meetings. Meetings are held at the Jr./Sr. High School Auditorium on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. These meetings provide an opportunity to stay informed about important issues facing our district, including curriculum updates, our Five-Year Facilities Plan, District Goals, and the upcoming annual school budget. I also encourage you to stay connected with the district and never hesitate to contact my office with questions, ideas, or concerns.
As we look ahead, there is much to be excited about. The months ahead will bring countless opportunities for our students to learn, experience, imagine, and act. We look forward to the academic, athletic, artistic, and extracurricular experiences that will help make the 2026-2027 school year memorable for our students.
Thank you for being such an important part of the Mattituck-Cutchogue school community. Your partnership, support, and commitment to our students make a difference every day. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the months ahead.
Shawn C. Petretti
Superintendent of Schools
Mattituck-Cutchogue Union Free School District